Operation "D"
8
P O S T A G R A M.
To : HQ. RAF. ME.
From : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF
Serial No: 21 Sqdn/323.
Date : 2 JUL 43.
OPREP NO. 323 for period ending 1600 hrs 2 JUL 43.
A to K NIL
Comm. NIL.
TOO 1600 hrs 2 JUL 43.
(Signature: J. S. Besson) Capt.
SIO. 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
"D"
8
P O S T A G R A M.
To : HQ. RAF. ME.
From : SIO 21 SQUADRON SAAF
Serial No: 21 Sqdn/323.
Date : 2 JUL 43.
OPREP NO. 323 for period ending 1600 hrs 2 JUL 43.
A to K NIL
Comm. NIL.
TOO 1600 hrs 2 JUL 43.
(Signature: J. S. Besson) Capt.
SIO. 21 SQUADRON SAAF.
__o_O_o__
Form 541 Transcriber's Notes TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
* Abbreviations Expanded:
* HQ. RAF. ME.: Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East.
* SIO: Squadron Intelligence Officer.
* SAAF: South African Air Force.
* Sqdn: Squadron.
* OPREP: Operational Report.
* hrs: hours.
* Comm.: Communications.
* TOO: Time of Origin.
* Capt.: Captain.
* Observations about Individuals Mentioned:
* Captain J. S. Besson: As the Squadron Intelligence Officer (SIO), Besson was responsible for compiling and certifying these daily operational summaries. His "NIL" report indicates that for the second consecutive day, No. 21 Squadron SAAF engaged in no combat sorties or significant operational communications. Besson would later serve as the squadron Adjutant at the rank of Major during the Italian campaign in 1944.
* Information about the Location:
* Solomon Landing Ground (LG 138), Libya: At the time of this report on July 2, 1943, the squadron was stationed at this desert airfield located in the eastern Cyrenaica region of Libya.
* Modern Name: This wartime landing ground has largely vanished, reclaimed by the arid desert environment of eastern Libya. Historically, such temporary strips were essential for the rapid movements of the Desert Air Force across North Africa.
* Historical Context and Theatre Events:
* Lull Before the Storm: This report captures the final days of relative quiet before Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily. The "NIL" status of operations suggests the squadron was utilizing this time for final aircraft maintenance, personnel re-organization, and intensive crew briefings.
* The Campaign Trail: Just days prior, the squadron had been alerted for a move toward the Tunis Transit Area to prepare for the maritime crossing to the European theater.
* Primary Aircraft: During July 1943, 21 Squadron SAAF was operating the Martin Baltimore, a light-medium bomber that played a critical tactical role in the Mediterranean.
* Administrative Record-Keeping: The labeling of this document as Appendix "D" and its sequential serial number (21 Sqdn/323) demonstrate the rigorous administrative discipline maintained by SAAF units within the RAF command structure to ensure a permanent historical record.
10
The date written in the 'DATE' line of the memorandum is 30th July, 1943.
